I couldn't find an exact answer to this (yes, I know there isn't one):

Is the linen side of a strop necessary? I just got the "Standard Textbook of Barbering" 4th ed. and they, like most current advice say to not use the linen just after honing but use it each shave between hones.

Is this really necessary? I ask because I get good results using just the leather but seem to mess the edge up if I use the linen.